Willamette Mission is one of the most significant and beautiful historic sites in the Willamette Valley. The park occupies land where the first mission for American Indians was founded in 1834 by the Reverend Jason Lee. Members of the Methodist Mission were later active in the formation of Oregon government. A monument is located in the park providing information on this settlement. The original mission buildings are represented by framed outlines called ghost structures. A landing for the Wheatland Ferry -- the first to carry the covered wagon across the Willamette River in 1844 -- is in the park.

The park offers many daytime opportunities for boaters, anglers and other users. Some of Willamette Mission?s 1,680 acres hold filbert and walnut orchards. The nation's largest black cottonwood is in the park (it?s older than the U.S. -- it's been around for over 250 years). There are grassy meadows surrounded by an array of flowers, plants, and trees. For those that enjoy water, there?s Mission Lake and the Willamette River.

Willamette Mission State Park is perfect for your next picnic! The excellent picnic facilities are reservable for large groups. There are picnic shelters, electricity, restrooms, water faucets, picnic tables, fire rings, sunny areas and trees for shade, plus ample room for parking. You can even rent a large, 4' x 3' charcoal briquet barbecue at the park.

The park also has areas set aside for volleyball, horse shoes, softball and soccer. Horse camp facilities include four sites (two pull through). Sites can accommodate up to two camping units and four pack animals (reserve by calling 1-800-452-5687). Eight miles of trails run along the Willamette River, with an incredible amount of native birds, plants and wildlife [there's even a self-guided interpretive trail through our riparian education project].

The park staff love a challenge! Plan on Willamette Mission as a part of your corporate picnic or other group activity.